Celtic Graces is the CD that was made for those of us who love contemporary Irish music and are interested in where it came from, but are too young to have experienced much of it first hand. Many of the groundbreaking Irish folk groups began in the 1970s, and their earlier recordings can be nearly impossible to track down. While the influence these artists had is still evident today, it can be difficult to understand without hearing the performers.

This album gathers together some of the best-known tracks from several of the most prominent singers and musicians of the '70s, '80s and '90s into one cohesive album. Though admittedly missing certain artists and pieces, the album does a good job of covering 30 years of innovative music and puts it all into a convenient package for those of us who missed the boat the first time around.

With everything from Planxty to Bothy Band to Dolores Keane and John Faulkner to early Clannad, the big names in Irish folk music are here. Including such songs as "Plains of Kildare" by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, "The Wee Weaver" by Keane and Faulkner, "Arthur McBride" by Paul Brady, Clannad's "Eirigh Suas a Stoirin" and "Lord Franklin" by former Bothy Band members Kevin Burke and Michael O'Domhnaill, the album features the best of Irish vocalists.

Not to be left behind, the instrumental selections are, each and every one, amazing. Davy Spillane, Bill Whelan, Bothy Band, De Danann and Donal Lunny tackle both traditional and original pieces, producing the incredible music they have become legends for.

The composition of the album is thoughtfully done. With 15 tracks to cover such a huge field, each has been chosen to represent the artists at their best. A short introduction to the style in the liner notes and a paragraph about each artist helps to put everything in context. The collection will also go far in dispelling the long held myth that the only songs the Irish have are "Danny Boy" and drinking songs. With the beautiful harmonies of "Wee Weaver" or the raw emotion of "Arthur McBride" and "Lord Franklin," the haunting refrain of the uillean pipes of "Midnight Walker" or the grand concert hall sound of "The Ballymun Regatta," Irish music has always been diverse. Captured here at its best, by the best, this album is an invaluable resource for those new to Irish music. It is also fantastic to just listen to and enjoy.

- Rambles
written by Jean Emma Price
published 30 October 2004